Chapter 4: First Steps

/

Nacho's P.O.V.

I woke up to a note attached to my head this morning and Ankha missing from bed. The note explained everything I needed to know. Ankha woke up earlier and headed out on the planned scouting mission with some fellow members of the Sphinx. Hugs and kisses are also written on the note. I smiled a bit as eventually Isabelle and I got up for the day with my canine lover explaining that she has her own work to take care of. So, she suggested that I should explore the large mobile base and meet some of the heads of the major departments. With a cheery smile and a small kiss on the cheek she left after she showed me the tram system. It shouldn't be too hard, I mean just follow the map and colored paths, right?

"Uh…" I stared at the map after what I think an hour of trying to explore the base. It was like it was taunting me as the red circle saying 'you are here' points out my current location. Which was the other side of the base and nowhere near where I was initially heading. The barracks as I was curious by the people who are fighting for us. However, I wasn't even close, "…But I followed the red path! How am I further away from it?"

"Having trouble beast?" a female voice spoke up behind me and upon turning around I was met with a six-foot pink wolf. She was wearing decorated military attire and looked at me with a sly smile. Clearly amused at my ability to be lost with directions in front of me.

"Um yes I am, excuse me who are you?"

"My name is Freya, uff da. You must be Nacho, the dreaded beast of calamity."

"Yeah, that would be me. Though my reputation is not exactly fitting."

"Is that a fact? Isabelle and Ankha said nothing but praises about the man you are. Already I can tell you aren't just a beastly brute."

"Thanks, the less people who realize that the better for me. Though I never seen a pink wolf in military attire. You don't happen to know where the barracks are and by extension the head military advisor?"

"You met her, how can I help you?"

I raised a brow, but I guess it makes the military attire make more sense, "Wait you are the military advisor?"

"Chief Military Advisor, uff da. Just follow me and I can show you some of the troops you will be seeing on the battlefield."

She immediately started leading the way and I followed not too far behind. Some fellow residents and workers passing us by. Much took a double take as their Chief Military advisor was leading this beast around on base. I am sure news about me traveled fast, but I can only assume seeing is believing. I still have a hard time believing it myself, but the sometimes small-ish hallways remind me that I am indeed a large beast.

"So how did you become Chief Military Advisor in the first place Freya? If you don't mind me asking?"

"It's nothing really, I just have experience that's all. Well…more experience than most people think. I was part of I.G.M.A.D.A. like you used to be. I served well in a commanding role as I knew how to handle managing troops and logistics. In a place far away from here, I was also a Councilor in a place called Rhuin. Before all of that I also enlisted in the Norway's army, so as you can see, I am quite qualified for this position."

"Ah that makes sense, I was on a different branch with I.G.M.A.D.A. so sorry if I haven't noticed you before."

"It's quite fine. Some branches are too far apart from each other. Though color me surprised when I heard about you. I'll say it must be terribly ironic to turn into one of the monsters you faced in your line of work."

"You don't know the half of it."

"Well rest assured some of us here have faith in you. Ankha and Isabelle done much for us for me to believe in them. Anyways we should be here."

I looked up in surprise as we reached the barracks with a clear sign that indicates it as such. The passage away ahead lines up multiple doors with clear distinctions to show separation of male and female soldiers. Freya explains that the barracks is a multi-floored area meant to house many of the troops and have them ready for combat. Many of them stop to salute her and call to others that the advisor is on deck. She told them to be at ease and they relaxed a bit as they went back to their activities. Though some have stopped to take glances at me, others glared at me, some stared in awe, and others moved away in fear.

"So many people here…"

"The ones here are mostly our ground forces. They're the manpower that help protect the masses and face the dangers head on. Just telling you now, so I don't repeat myself later. Many of the people who join are volunteers, former military, soldiers of I.G.M.A.D.A., and various others who wished to fight with us. These classes of troops are our assault infantry, and riflemen which there is elite variants among them."

"They all look so normal…wait elites? Wait do they all get training?"

"Oh, don't worry, we give them the proper training. You should see when they get their uniforms on. Most of these folks saw action already and know what to expect. Elites are those who managed to show great skill in battles and endured many fights. They are usually trusted with better equipment as it isn't easy to manufacture the best armor and weapons for everyone. When we lose a soldier, we usually lose the equipment with them. As you can imagine that's time and resources down the drain."

"That makes sense, during my time as a monster hunter such higher-grade equipment can only be made when a hunter raised their rank."

"Heh just like the wilds you faced, it's all about managing resources here."

/

Freya's P.O.V.

I kept an eye on his reactions as we stopped in an open area where plenty of soldiers came and went. He looked like he wanted to say something to one of them. However, he stopped himself and just ended getting weird looks. I can only frown as it's plain to see he is having trouble trying to socialize. Not helped by his reputation and looks despite whatever assurances Isabelle had said before. I can recall a time I was doubtful of the women's words initially, but that changed since then. Seeing him now only reinforces that thought.

"How are their families?"

"Safe, gone, missing…a mix of the three. It's what they fight for after all," I see him close his eyes and shake his head, "You got family too beast?"

"Yeah…I rather not talk about it right now."

"Sore subject, its fine though. Just know there are many others hoping for an answer as well. Shall we move on?"

"Yeah, I think that would be for the best."

I lead him away from the soldier barracks and then proceeded to show him each level. Each one houses a different group of troops and specialists. The next floors had the following groups in pairs. Commandos and shock troopers, mounted gunners and combat engineers, demolitionists and pyro troops, support troops and scout snipers, and heavy weapons specialists with light machine gunners. They all shared similar reactions except with some of the former IGMADA members as some recognize him. I was honestly glad for that as it eased some of the tension in the rooms. Still, it was thick enough for a knife to cut through and I was ready to step in case anything happened.

"I'm not exactly a military smart guy, so color me amaze that you play a part in the organization of so many people."

"Heh, those monster hunter guilds don't have armies for you to learn about?"

"Not that I am aware of. I guess in a way the hunters are basically an army when it comes to large scale monster attacks."

"Must be some monster if army of hunters are involved."

"Yeah, had some fair share of walking ecological disasters in the form of a dragon."

I raised a brow, "I'm sorry what?"

"Yeah, fighting dragons or large monsters about the size of a skyscraper and or bigger. Usually squads of four, but I heard some regions had much more."

"Huh, that sounds very unorthodox. I wonder how those people even survive against such odds."

"They managed and I did my part in their way of life."

"You must tell me sometimes. I see my fair share of trouble before Ragnarök reared its ugly head, so I share my stories as well."

"I'll hold you to that, somebody of your caliber gotta have some stories to tell."

"Oh trust me, I got some old mission stories I am willing to retell. Not to mention how to survive the changed world. With style of course."

"Sounds like a plan then, but now you got me curious on what the heck happened."

I smiled as I stifled a small laugh, "You're a curious one, aren't you? You really aren't the great beast some people claim you are."

"I'm quite different socially speaking if you asked any people from my…town…ah…ah geeze. I…uh…hope their okay…"

"I know how you feel," Nacho looked at me curiously, "My old town Valden Grove was confirmed to be destroyed during the turbulent stages of Ragnarök. I don't know if most of my old neighbors are still around or…you know. It's not easy thinking about it while you have got other things to deal with. In my case helping the coalition in dealing with the dark gods. I want to look for them, but people need me here."

"Yeah…I just hope…they are still alive. Out there somewhere in a community."

"Honestly, I like to think so too. If we run into them, we'll make sure they are treated well."

"Thanks, I hope your old neighbors are okay as well."

He really isn't a bad person. A good heart stuck in a monstrous body, I will never understand the universe, "Heh well that's enough moping around. I got some business to take care of around here. You should get a move on to the other departments. I suggest heading towards the magic department. Bray usually watches over that, but he got somebody working it while he is away. That person has been dying to meet you."

"Really? Who?"

"Now that's a surprise, just follow the purple line and you get there in no time. Try not to get lost beastie."

"I won't make that same mistake twice."

I smirked while rolling my eyes as I watched him leave and follow the purple line. Saying our goodbyes as he left my field of view. I honestly felt enlightened by the whole interaction with him. Still he's got a way to go to earn everyone's trust here.

/

Nacho's P.O.V.

Following the purple line and using the map properly I was able to not get lost finding the magic department of the base. It was a larger space which I quickly saw why in the form of large golem creatures standing around along with some rather…unfriendly looking folks practicing magic. They seem to wear a less armored version of Bray's combat attire and use the familiar green fire I am very intimate with. They must be other Warlocks and judging by the look on their faces they rather not have me around. This feeling was not helped by the odd golems partially burning with green fire just blankly staring at me with their beady eyes. They certainly look like they can do some damage and take it as well. Eventually I found the head of magic office with none other than Lucky himself busily writing away.

I was gonna knock on the door before one of the golems stopped me. Its big rocky hand blocked the door entirely, "Uh, excuse me can I get in? My friend Lucky is in there and I would like to meet him."

"Sorry to say beast, but Vanguard Lucky is busy at the moment," I heard a voice behind me. Laced a bit with venom as I turned around to be face to face with one of the warlocks.

"Ah that's too bad, I can come back later then. When will he be done with his work?"

"Longer than you got right now if you don't leave."

"Geeze…alright, I won't be a bother," I decided to walk back where I once came until somebody stopped in front of me. I looked a bit down and was met with the face of a wolf woman staring at me.

"My my, you aren't leaving already, aren't you?" the wolf woman had grey fur not too dissimilar to a timber wolf, however I noticed there is an aura of shadow emitting from her. Right next to the fact she looks more feral and thicker furred compared to normal wolf folks. I raised a brow looking at her because I had never seen anything like her. Her attire reminds me of some kind of vampire hunter given a modern twist. Wearing a black leather tricorn hat emblazoned with a coat of arms symbol that I do not recognize. Looking back on it there are similar symbols on the warlocks who were looking for trouble.

She also wore a long-reinforced leather coat that looked ready to handle any trouble. Sliver plates on the shoulders and enforcement on the forearm to cuff area. I can see her wearing metal claws on her already fearsome hands. I do not know what else she is wearing on her upper body as the coat is buttoned up, "You know its rude to stare right?"

I blinked a couple of times before stepping back, "Sorry, um…names Nacho. May I ask whom I am speaking with?"

"Ah a gentleman, aren't we? Unexpected, but Ankha did speak highly of you," the woman chuckled a bit as she walked around me. I kept my eyes on her as the warlocks giving me a hard time earlier changed their tune entirely as they stood in attention. It was also during this time I noticed she is wearing grey lightly plated pants that end like her hands with metal claws on feral like wolf feet, "My name is Grimmralda, I'm a Shadow Hunter. The precursor to these guys over here, the warlocks. My job was basically hunting and killing things that went bump in the night. Any questions?"

"Well just one, how do you know Ankha?"

She gave a small chuckle before disappearing before my very eyes as darkness quickly cloaked her. I looked around for her, but I couldn't sense her. Probably another drawback from my yet to be awakened instincts. I nearly jumped when I felt her metal claw poke me on the butt, "Surprised? You really shouldn't be. Your girlfriend told you that she cleared the Dark Mana temple, right?"

"Uh…yeah?"

"Yeah, I was its guardian and by extension I am one of her summonses. We had some nice chats, so I guess you can say Ankha and I are partners in crime."

"Wait if you're her summon, how are you here? I thought summons are inside one of those crystal things?"

"Well not technically, we just hang out in our special temple chambers. Though I decided to go out for exercise which is why I am here. Helping the cause and making sure the Warlocks here are on the right path. If Ankha needs me, I'll get a call and I'll be there in an instant thanks to that crystal."

"So that's how it works…I take it you met Audiotoria then?"

"Sure have, she doesn't pop out often. One of those artist types but she taught Ankha well. I of course taught Ankha Dark mana affinity magic though after some barriers have been broken down. You can ask her how that went down when the chance presents itself. Anyways you were trying to see Vanguard Lucky right?"

"Yeah, but according to these 'friendly' fellows apparently, he is too busy, at the moment."

"Really now?" The warlocks visibly sweated when she looked in their direction. She is higher on their food chain. They didn't want to speak out of line and incur her wrath. She walked up to the golems guarding the door, only now I am noticing her footsteps are making no sound, and simply waved them off. The large hulking monsters looked at each other and just moved away. She gave a quick knock on the door which caught Lucky's attention as he got up and opened the door.

"Oh hey Grimmralda, you don't normally visit."

"No, I don't, but somebody you know wants to meet you."

/

Lucky's P.O.V.

"Well, if I'll be…" Nacho, a great man behind the beast. He didn't look much different since the last I saw him, so it was easy to recognize him, "Nacho! It's good to see you again my friend!"

"Lucky? What happened to your voice? You sound like a man now!"

"Hehe well, you can thank Anubis for that. For all my efforts I'm not the same walking mummy I used to be. Here, feel my arm."

I presented my arm to him and in much confusion, he walked up to me. Only now I realized he had gotten taller as he gently grasped my arm. He held onto it for a few seconds before letting go and looked at me with confusion, "Lucky…you're alive now?"

"Yup! Flesh and blood underneath these wrapping now…well kinda sort of."

"That's just crazy, what do you mean by kinda sort of?"

"Yes, I am alive, but at the same time I am also undead. I am a Tomb-born, half mummy according to Anubis. I can still use my undead abilities alongside some benefits an alive person would have, like having a mana affinity. Drawbacks include anti-undead stuff can still affect me except for Egyptian artifacts and stuff. My life signs can be hard to detect, so doctor visits can be a bit tricky. Using undead abilities can make me look very very scary to normal people. Finally, I must use the bathroom and have the upkeep of a living body. But hey, take the good with the bad."

"That is a lot to take in. So, you don't follow Ankha around anymore?"

I went a bit silent, "Er…no, my original job is to be the Guardian of a chosen. Ankha's not a chosen anymore, at least by judgment of the Egyptian Gods."

"Oh right, she told me about that. Guess that affected you too. Though by the looks of it nothing really is keeping you from being there for her."

I smiled mentally; he catches on quite quickly. Though it helps that we are friends so "Correct, technically I am not her guardian, but I am her brother even if not by blood. So as her brother with the freedom to choose I have decided to stick close by and support her."

"Heh, clever. So, what can you tell me about this department, Lucky? These guys over here told me you are a Vanguard and play substitute when Johan isn't around."

"Ah yes, that is correct. Vanguard are basically magic warriors…it's a type of classification we use. You are usually gonna see me on the front line of most fights that involve those who are here. The magic department handles everything magic related: Training, research, artifact recovery, magic defenses, and magic offensives. You get the idea, I'm in charge of training other vanguards and other magic users who want to balance their magic with physical combat. Sometimes Ankha shows up to help in that regard as well."

"Can't wait to see you in action then. Good for you Lucky you are really moving up in the world!"

I couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed by his praise. I looked up to him after our journeys together, so it hits different having him praising me for my achievements, "Thanks hehe, I do what I can. Feel free to look around a bit, but I wouldn't linger around too long. Some folks here aren't too fond of having the beast of calamity on the same base as they are."

I pointed over to the warlocks that Grimmralda is terrorizing with her brand of false smile and lethal reprimanding, "Ah right…lot of people blame me for causing this do they?"

"Well, you and Ankha, but we both know that isn't accurate. You were simply a catalyst, but since most people saw you running amok and Ragnarök. However, not everybody sees it that way."

"Something to note for later, well I could use a tour before moving onto the next department."

"Sure, I can do that, it'll be a quick one though as I still got some things to fill out today."

So, with some help of Grimmralda, I gave Nacho a quick tour of the magic department. While also filling in blanks such as the magic knowledge is collectively shared from our world and others. Mostly from Mythica due to their more magic focused lifestyle. The fel constructs are from the Warlocks and their neck of the woods in our world. They made great heavy troops when needed. Along with their expertise with dealing with the supernatural and demons. Then there is the Arboridae…aka the Mythcia Squirrel folk found themselves scattered in the new land. The ones that joined us do so for survival and in hopes of finding more of their people. They really didn't take well to Nacho being on board and voice their displeasure on sight and the flinging of acorns.

I can't blame them since they said the beast rampaged through one of their villages. They help with the farming on the base as well teaching nature magic to those who are willing to learn. They only trust Isabelle due to her own connections with nature, but don't understand her relationship with Nacho. Some assume that she may be trying to tame the beast if that was possible. But I digress, I continue to explain to Nacho they are valuable as in any forested environment they are nearly unmatched with guerrilla tactics. I seen them myself and they once terrify a small army of raiders that made the mistake entering their kill zone. They could have killed them all if they wanted to, but they just made examples of a few, and it was enough.

"Holy…I never would have guessed from these human sized squirrel folks," He gave them a quick glance again. Just the look alone sent many of the younger ones hiding behind their parents. Nacho flinched and looked visibly hurt from the reaction. I felt bad for him but there isn't much I can do for him.

We just moved on to the last bit which is a small group of wizards and mages from Mythcia who are sharing some of their general magic knowledge, but also observing us. They are representatives of the Magic Council in Mythcia as I would explain to Nacho. He was surprised to see Elves for the first time as they were among the ranks. Others included Saurian, dwarves, Orc, Shifters, and Mythcia humans plus animal folks. They just gave Nacho a glance before going back to their meditating.

"So, what's their deal?"

"They are wise practitioners of magic Nacho. If anything, they are just making sure nothing is going awry. They report back to the Magic council for updates on what's developed and well keep an eye on you."

"Of course…"

"Don't mind them though, you hardly know they're there."

"Just hope they respect privacy."

"Well, I believe they do, so you should be fine. Just let them be and don't start any trouble with them."

Nacho still gave them a suspecting look but dropped it as we left that group. I was gonna show them the Magi-tech section, but I had to get back to work, "Ah shoot, sorry Nacho I gotta get back to my duties. Grimmralda can you show him to our tech department? Easiest way for him to learn about Magi-tech there."

"Got it!" Nacho jumped as the wolf woman appeared behind him from nothing, "Right this way big guy."

"Oh Nacho, before you go. It's great having you back again, Ankha and Isabelle look to be in greater spirits already."

"I'll make sure to keep that way too. Until next time Lucky."

"Until then, see yah man!"

/

Nacho's P.O.V.

"Right this way following the green lines."

I followed Grimmralda as well as I can ignoring the lingering thoughts of the people I met in the magic department. Just trying to focus the best I can on not getting lost. Though another thought hovered in my mind. Magi-Tech, that is something new I haven't got a good look at. All I know is it was something Mythcia mastered and now looks to be knowledge we managed to get our hands on. Maybe the tech department can give more details about how it works to me.

About ten minutes later Grimmralda moved to the side and revealed the doors to the Tech Department, "Whoa, glass doors."

"Well tougher than glass beastie, but hey try not to lose your mind in there. Heaven knows I did, seeing the advancement of technology in comparison to back in my time."

"So, who's the head of tech here?"

"There are a few: Mason, Doc, and Audie. Though just Mason and Doc for now as Audie is out on a mission."

"Go check them out, they should be in their separate offices. As for me I got business to deal with," In a puff of dark smoke Grimmralda vanished before my eyes. Leaving me with the awkward stares of the workers here. Lots of clacking of keyboards and the movement of machines building weapons, robots, and even armor. Along with that are various data and tech stuff that way out of my wheelhouse of understanding.

"Uh…hi?" I somewhat meekly to no response. I sighed mentally as I made my way around the area. Doing my best to steer clear of the machinery and the techies to not be a bother. I heard some mumble among themselves asking why the beast was here or pondering the material of my armor. I sighed as I tried to find Doc or Mason, who of which I had no idea looked like. Some engineers passed me by, and I stopped one of them. It spooked them for a moment, but relaxed when I told them my plight.

They told me Doc can be found in the robotics section and Mason in the equipment division. The nearest being Doc so they pointed towards his location. I thanked them for their help and headed towards Doc's office. I eventually found it and the blue rabbit himself napping on a chair in front of a chalk board. I'm not going pretend I know what the numbers mean, but they seem to be programming ideas. For what I am not sure, but I gave a gentle knock on his door.

"Um…hello? Doc? Can you wake up?"

*ZZZzzzzz*

"Huh, heavy sleeper. How the heck I'm going to wake him up?" My ears picked up on some small footsteps behind me. I looked and saw a short blonde hair mouse woman with thick glasses and a lab coat was walking by with papers in her hands.

Her ear flicked and she stopped in place, "Is Doc asleep again?"

She didn't turn to look at me, but I responded to her, "Yeah and he looks to be out cold."

"Just say Paperweight, Doc has a fear of paperweight eating aliens. It will wake him right up, hehe."

"Really?" I returned to the door again. Gave it a polite knock and shouted, "Paperweight!"

In an instant Doc's eyes shot open in flailing panic and fell off his chair. I heard a giggle from the mouse woman as I tried to thank her. However, she cut me off with an introduction of herself, "Name's Petri by the way, one of the heads in the science division. You can thank me by visiting that section when you get the chance. I am very interested in your…biological workings. See you later!"

She walked away with a pep in her step that left me confused just as Doc busted open his door, "You big scary looking guy. Are you a paperweight eating alien?"

"Uh…no."

"Oh, thank heavens, so as long as I am awake what can I do for you my strange friend?"

"Well, I was hoping to learn more about this section of the Sphinx's workings. I'm new and I was told to try and get to know the heads."

"Oh excellent, my name is Doc. You probably knew that already, but regardless glad to meet you…uh. What's your name?"

"Nacho, or as what most people know me better as the Beast of Calamity."

"Oh right! That beast, you are quite a topic here and in the science division. Me I don't really mind as long you aren't a paperweight eating alien."

"What's with this obsession with these…aliens you keep mentioning?"

"That is not important, but I can quickly show you around my line of work."

"Well alright then, so you're in charge of robotics?"

Doc smiled as he beckoned me into the room and began showing a presentation of his side of work. Revealing to me that he helped program and create robotic drones, scouts and even some humanoid robots for support in the field. He helped make sure many of the machines are running smoothly and fix any error in their programing. It's something he takes pride in as a head, especially when dealing with cyber-attacks. Granted it was before Ragnarök hit the world but the experience counts. He even gets together with other folks when it comes to planning on creating a new robot, machine or anything that needs coding. Seeing the various plans and schematics on his desk.

His current personal project is trying to make an A.I. that will help him with managing his projects and keep him from slacking off. He has yet to work out all the kinks in it yet or even naming it. However, he assures me that it will be a great and help change A.I. tech for the future. I personally not sure how well that is going to go, but I wished him luck on it.

"Wowzers, you sure are an interesting person. Nice to see you are in high spirits despite the current state of the world."

"Hey gotta occupy my time somehow. Well now that we are done here, let me introduce you to Mason. His work is important just as the rest of us."

Doc led me around more of the section. The tech on display is nuts along with the testing area just had me wide eyed. Stuff more advanced than what I saw back in everyday life. I see what looks to be a rail gun fueled by magic tore through a target like it was nothing. However not too long after they dropped the weapon from what I can assume is overheating. New tech old problems I suppose.

/

Mason's P.O.V.

"Hmm…I wonder how I can improve this. I want it to have style yet still functional…" I leaned back in my chair as I stared at the new battle suit design. It was supposed to be an update to the current one used by our military forces with improved durability, but with some added bells and whistles. It's tough but I found ways to make things like this work.

"Having trouble darling?" an alluring voice sounded from behind me. A light finger traced the back of my head along with a light giggle. I laughed a bit as I turned around to see the familiar white furred face of Olivia staring at me with a comforting yet alluring smile.

"Oh no, it's fine. Just tedious to make a new design that can be more durable and still look stylish."

"If it's style, you know you can ask me for advice on that."

"I know, hehe. God, you make a great model, helps me visualize my work on full display."

"Indeed, your combat stealth body suit is still something I was glad to help with. It honestly makes my job a bit easier."

"Not to mention you look amazing in it, along with the other women who need to use it for stealth missions."

"Only you would manage to find a way to make a functional physically appealing outfit. With my help of course, I have many years of experience in the fashion industry."

"So, you remind me hehe. How's Skye? Is she doing well?"

"Yes, she is, she is hoping that you come around for dinner time today. She is saving something special for you. Before you ask about Petri she is already heading back to her lab. She is doing her usual research, but I heard that she is interested in the Beast's overall biology."

I felt my finger twitch, the beast…I don't get why it was considered a good idea to have that creature of chaos on board. However, I have no power to go against the idea, "I am not sure what she expects to find inside that bundle of chaos. People do remember he is a walking biohazard waiting to happen right?"

"Nobody has forgotten, but he is still useful since he is connected to those veils after all. Plus, his reputation got to mean something if the legends say the gods feared him."

"Indeed, let's just keep an eye on him. Ankha and Isabelle's feelings are obviously clouding their better judgement of him. Maybe they're right, but maybe they're wrong…I just want to be ready in case they are wrong."

"I agree…well there are matters I must attend to dear," Olivia gave me a quick peck on the cheek, "Love you, and please keep such thoughts just between us. Last thing we need is stirring up the Sphinx while we still got a common goal."

"I am aware and don't worry. I know what I am doing."

She smiled at me, "You usually do."

I went back to my work only for a short time until I heard Olivia say hi to Doc and the beast from down the hall. I sighed mentally and prepared myself as the two stepped into my 'workshop'. I turned around in my chair and saw the two in front of me. The imposing beast standing taller than the smaller Doc and myself.

"Hey Mason, this is Nacho. He is getting a small tour of our part of the Sphinx," Doc said cheerfully.

"Uh hey, nice to meet you," the beast awkwardly stuck out a hand to shake. I shook his hand while keeping a stern look on my face.

"Ello, you are quite nervous looking for your size."

"There are many reasons for that…just hope I don't cause you too much trouble."

"Not at all, I can take it from here Doc," the blue rabbit smiled and gave me two thumbs up as he took his leave. I swear he is too odd for the programmer job, but he does good work so I can't complain, "So you're here now, so I will cut to the chase. My name is Mason and that's all you need to know from me. I help develop the tech here as in making the bells, whistles, the design, and the functions. You seen Ankha's body suit?"

"Uh…um yeah…" He was flustered like he was called out for staring at something he shouldn't have.

"You have me to thank for that. What she is wearing is the C.S.S. aka the combat stealth suit. I designed to both have style and function, it's not only adequately durable to handle a good amount of punishment. It also makes the wearer's footsteps close to silence as possible, plus a few other bonuses. I make it a goal to do that with a lot of my projects. Works as intended and looks physically appealing too. It's why your girlfriend catch's your eye."

"That is honestly amazing! I didn't think such things could be possible."

"Well with the cave man level tech you hunter's use, I am not surprised. Advance tech like this can blow your mind. Especially with Magi-tech which opens new ways to create advancements. Have you seen magical circuitry before? I never thought something like magic could be run through such things. Yet here we are, and you are here with your raw strength not really needing any of it."

"Well…I can't really help it to be honest. I didn't really get a choice on what I am. I just work with it."

"Can't rely on the whims of the world to help you out Nacho. I personally believe that we need to have more control over our progress and evolution. That is the beauty of technology, controlled advancement," much better than the chaotic mess you are.

"I see, so what projects you have going on?"

"As it stands, most of that is secret to you. The only ones I can tell you is just upgrade ideas for current gear we have," You shouldn't be sticking your nose in this anyways.

"Ah I see, you really have an impressive affinity for technology. I mean I barely understand this advanced stuff myself. I only know the monster hunter tech to formerly modern tech before all the…Ragnarök business."

"Well consider me lucky then that I don't have to develop anything for you. You…are just something I rather not have to waste time and resources on."

"Oh…a bit rude, but…yeah that makes sense. I mean I don't look like I could fit in any of the current tech right now."

"For something of your size? For sure, now if that will be all, I have some work to do. Me and many others are doing their best to make sure the Sphinx and its people are ready for whatever Typhon forces may have ready for us."

"Alright then, well I'll just get out of…"

*Sorry for the interruption but can the heads of the Sphinx and Members of the War Council meet up in the war room? We obtained important information that will give us an idea how to progress our war effort. Thank you! *

"Well damn it, so much for getting back to work. Let's see what is going on then beast," I moved him to the side as I walked through the hall on my own. Not caring if the beast followed me or not. I just want to get through with this and get back to my thought process. The quicker I get through with this the better.

/

Nacho's P.O.V.

I sighed mentally as I tried to make my way to the war room. It was a trip and Mason wouldn't wait for me. If it wasn't for Grimmralda I probably wouldn't have made it. The big double sliding doors opened the way to a big room with a large table with a holo display. A mix of familiar and unfamiliar faces looked at me as I entered the room. Isabelle on the other end with a serious expression along with Ares and an unfamiliar man.

Ares was the first to greet me, "Ah nice of you to join us beast. Here I thought we would have to start without you."

"I was hoping you didn't get lost in the Sphinx Nacho. We don't have a chair big enough so you can just stand where you are comfortable," Isabelle pointed near Ankha who waved me over. Along the way I saw the heads of the sections I already visited plus some I have yet to visit. Most of the people here I don't recognize, but one of them a man in a well decorated military attire looked at me with intrigue. I feel like he should be familiar to be, but his grizzled dark hair and mustache made it difficult to place him.

"Rear Admiral Isabelle, would you please start the war council?" the man asked looking at Isabelle.

"Of course, Colonel, now then can I bring your attention to the display," Rear Admiral? I thought she was a captain. Man, I need to really read up on ranks these days, "Thanks to the efforts of Ankha, Audie and Fang we now know the base of one of the warlords of Typhon and their plan to push through from the west."

*Isabelle zoomed in to a patch of land near the open wasteland. With the right adjustments a familiar land mass came into view. Dividing it into sections of the continent to make it easier to view as they are colored in*

"We have forces set up over here in Corinth in a fort of the same name. We had problems in this region before with waves of Typhon's forces trying to break through so they can reach the mainland. Despite the land around from the drained waters its unfavorable terrain and would need people to climb the sides to reach. Hence the stalemate here, but according to new information the attacks are intensifying on this location. It's brute force tactics and the reason why is over here…" She highlighted Patras in the Achaea region, "The Cerberus Warlord Trimongulis has made his base here in the former city that is Patras. Ankha would you please explain what we are dealing with?"

"Of course," The holo-projection changed to show images of a large three headed brute of a dog with scales for and brutal spikes coming out his shoulders and back. He was carrying a large axe bearing the visage of a terrible serpent like monster. He was lightly armored, but what pieces of armor he did wore covered his chest with the visage and metal gauntlet cestuses. He looked to be glowing with some sort of fire in his body, "This is our target, he is as strong as his size would show. Being able to easily rip small buildings from their foundations and create large slashes with his axe that can cleave further than the expected range."

"Definitely a far cry from Hades beloved pet," Ares chimed in.

"Quite right, this warlord is a brute through and through. He is, however, not very bright as he only shows some form of common sense and at other times, he is trying to brute force a problem. His army is organized to a degree, but any finer form of strategy is not coming from him. It has come from these messages dropped off by these harpies," Ankha switched the display to images of messenger harpies. Carrying bags and dressed to reduce drag, "Its suggested taking them out if spotted to reduce enemy effectiveness. Trimongulis mainly uses minotaurs, ogres, P'orcs, and the Cerebi Typhon spawn. The only ones intelligent in his army is the minotaurs and the P'orcs."

"P'orcs? What is that?" I spoke up.

Ankha switch the display to a large pudgy, yet somewhat muscular pig like race, "They are a native race of Mythcia. They are a type of pig folk that generally loves to eat and gain power from doing so. According to shared information from Mythcia natives. There are different tribes and Trimongulis recruited the most hated tribe. The Bloodgorgers are hated for their attacks on other races for food and grotesque cannibalistic tendencies. Despite this they are strong and hold some magic power. Best for common troops to keep their distance."

"So, what do you suggest as our plan of attack?" Isabelle asked curiously.

Ankha looked at me, "The plan is simple. We first head to Fort Corith to support our troops and reinforce the position with the Sphinx. After we manage to secure the strategic point is when we can start deploying troops to push into enemy territory. Because Trimongulis position area is fortified with border check points and heavy brutes. We need to make use of guerrilla warfare to weaken the ranks. We create an opening to step our foot into his home turf. We are going to need our best shock troops and strong head fighting with our main army. For the latter I nominate Nacho to help our main army with any obstacles they come across."

There was some slight murmur among those around the table, but the Colonel, Ares and most of the heads agreed to the idea. It was an excellent way to test my mettle in a real combat situation with our troops. I mean I have never been in a battlefield of a war before, but I guess there is a first time for everything, "It's decided then, just point me in their direction and I'll take care what gets in our way."

Ares smiled, "I won't lie I wish to see the beast in action in a battlefield. Though a risk, it may pay off greatly if his power can plow through enemy forces."

The colonel took a thinking position before answering, "I will agree to this. However, beast you must prove yourself as an asset and not a liability. The men and women going into battle with you know what they are doing. Listen to them and don't put them at risk."

I gave him a salute, "I won't sir, if there is anything being a monster hunter taught me that teamwork is vital to success."

"Good," he said as he leaned back in his chair.

Ankha smiled as she stepped to the side as Isabelle took the stage again, "Considering what we are going up against. Mason I would like production on armor piercing and hammer ammo for some of our soldiers. Freya, I need help leading the more major part of our forces to deal with the wider army Trimongulis has. Johan I need you and your warlock strike team to work with Ankha's special ops to go behind heavy enemy fortifications and cripple their forces to aid the army. Doc I need you to make some drones that will provide supporting fire…"

I looked to the direction Isabelle pointed and seen a rather scruffy looking man in armored robes. That must be Johan who until now I only heard passing mentions of his name. He didn't look like much, but I can feel some form of magical power emitting from him. If Isa is assigning him with Ankha then his skills must be formidable for such ops. I get the feeling we are going to share words sooner or later.

Isabelle impressively assigned the reminder of those at the table their active role in the upcoming campaign against the Warlord of Typhon. The serious face made and her strong voice commanded attention and respect. I am feeling quite proud of her and makes me wish I was there to witness that change in person. Ares agreed to send some special war soldiers, but only if we donated some of our forces to help defend Athens and keep Typhon's forces from advancing from the north. Eventually the meeting was adjourned, and we all left one by one. Ankha and Isabelle left with me as we wished to spend what time we had together knowing that the battle ahead would ask us to be apart even for a bit. I did my best to lighten the mood by asking Isabelle how she is both a Rear Admiral and a Captain. She simply answered she was trusted to fill out both roles by the Colonel due to her own abilities and records.

The rest of the day we would spend time with each other and me relaying my experiences with my short tour of the Sphinx. It was only later that the day would be done and the night spent sleeping next to each other in peace.